TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Human trafficking survivor Shamere Mckenzie has announced that she will be partnering with Lasco to offer scholarship to victims.

She made the announcement at the ‘Human Trafficking International Trafficking Conference’ organised by the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons at the Melià Braco hotel in Trelawny this morning.

McKenzie, who is one of the Human Trafficking in Person ambassador to Jamaica, was a student athlete in the United States of America when she fell victim to human trafficking after she was injured and was unable to complete her scholarship in 2005.

She believes there is hope for victims and told OBSERVER ONLINE that preparations are already in place for the launch of the scholarship but, she was unable to state the value.

McKenzie managed to escape after 18 months of ordeal, said she completed a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology as a result of a scholarship she had received after the university got wind of her tribulation.

She also said that she was compelled to create a scholarship in Jamaica after she was contacted by persons in Africa seeking her permission to establish a scholarship in her honour.

According to McKenzie, Lasco will match whatever amount she donates.

Jamaica retained a Tier 2 ranking in the latest human trafficking report published by the US State Department, which means there is much room for improvement.

According to the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons, between 2010 and 2018 more 750 anti-trafficking operations were conducted, resulting in 82 victims being rescued, 30 suspected traffickers arrested, and the dismantling of three prostitution rings.

Racquel Porter